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Experience develops into insights and the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow proved quite insightful Wednesday, May 16th, 2018. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, smarter after this past Wednesday and ready to pass along my newly gained knowledge. So relax and enjoy the May 16th recap.

If only relaxing remained that simple! Early chatter revolved around stress and hypertension. Showing vulnerability, I asked the “stupid” question. “What is hypertension?”

My co-host Devin Axtman explained hypertension as the medical term for high blood pressure. Channeling the mindset original #CPChatNow co-founder John W. Quinn always displayed, I sought to get us focusing towards solutions opposed to dwelling upon problems.

Relaxing activities continued a popular subject. Devin and I each shared what relaxes our respective selves.

Probably unsurprising to most in our community, I said physical activity relaxes me. Within the aforementioned physical activity I included my library job, a physically involved position. You might additionally come across Devin at the library when he needs to relax considering my co-host reads to relax.

Although multiple participants deemed sleeping relaxing, falling asleep stood out as troublesome. A commonality Casey attributed to CP. R agreed 100%. The two further bonded over difficulties falling asleep.

Casey called those who take falling asleep for granted crazy and R resonated with the sentiments. Despite a frustration many nights, trouble falling asleep will supply an asset this Thursday, May 24th. You will not want to fall asleep early Thursday since we will host our monthly CPChatNow Google Hangout that evening. The May 2018 Hangout date we finalized during the chat May 16th.

Combining feedback received during the Twitter chat alongside responses to our private Facebook group post, the May 2018 Google Hangout will happen this Thursday, May 24th. Message the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page to inquire about receiving the link to the Hangout.

Before leaving to message us on Facebook, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “What activity relaxes you?” Comment below to reply.

This past week in #CPChatNow was jumping as always. Members talked about being ambidextrous, learning to fall, and rebelling against CP. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along on this week’s recap.

Zach and Grace talked about being ambidextrous and whether that translated to falling to one side or the other:

Members then talked about learning to fall. Stacey expressed surprise that was a thing, but many members such as Zach and Hannah tweeted about learning to fall:

Zach and Hannah tweeted about different techniques regarding learning to fall in PT:

Zach, Hannah, and I tweeted about having private PT and our parents sweating over payment details:

Next, talk turned to an interesting question Zach had. He asked members about the first time they could remember rebelling against their CP.

Hannah tweeted about moving to Nashville and Zach tweeted about his parents being unsure about him competing in his first marathon:

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation question. Zach had all of the good questions this week, so I will ask his question again for those who couldn’t participate on Twitter: “What was the first decision you made to rebel against people’s concerns over your CP?” Share you answers and the results in the comments

Much conversation covering assorted topics took place Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018 during the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Hello, I am co-host Zachary Fenell and I am in a summarizing mood. Fitting since my task today calls for me to provide you your weekly #CPChatNow recap!

Early on in the evening the discussion revolved around stretching.The topic initially surfaced earlier in the week within our private Facebook group. Said group offers a more secure platform to discuss personal issues. To keep the space secure, we limit who we permit in. However, everyone should feel welcome to like our Facebook fan page and engage with those posts.

Now getting back to the Twitter chat, R shared the thoughts she posted in the Facebook group additionally to Twitter. Personally I found familiarity amidst her input.

We agreed stretching requires a certain balance. Otherwise you cause additional discomfort. As the talk progressed R and I learned our stretching methods differ. I use my leg casts to stretch out. A method R finds ineffective in her case!

Devin admits to not really stretching. A luxury afforded to him thanks to the hot Texas weather! Devin, R, and my three different experiences stretching emphasizes a valuable cerebral palsy fact. CP and the best treatment options vary by the person.

Go ahead and tell what you find beneficial stretching wise! This week’s extend-the-conversation question asks, How often do you stretch? What kind of stretching do you do? Leave your reply in the “Comments” section.

After reading Devin and I both questioned the origins to the statistics suggesting higher expenses. Plus Devin wondered how you implement such a distinction. Make sure to click the previous link and read the article yourself.

Moving to more lighthearted dialogue, Devin asked everyone about their summer plans.

Timmy Le looks forward to spending his summer in the lab. Furthermore he has his best friend’s wedding to attend! Attending weddings appeared a commonality in multiple participants’ summer plans.

No matter what your summer plans entail, make sure you plan to also answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. How often do you stretch? What kind of stretching do you do?

The past week in #CPChatNow was humming as always. I’m #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along on this week’s recap.

We start the recap with some good news from Timmy!

Next, talk turned to a familiar topic with CP, falls. Rachel reported she had a fall recently and the importance of not falling on her right side. It is a fact of life with CP that you learn how to fall.

Next, talk turned to sick days and benefits (or lack-thereof at work) along with the difficulties of working for a small business.

Finally, talk turned to taking the staircase at events like sporting events and concerts. The consensus was to only get up if necessary and not to go alone:

This brings us to our extend-the-conversation Question: Do you avoid doing things in public alone due to your CP?

#CPChatNow’s communal atmosphere remained on full display Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 during the weekly Twitter chat. Familiar faces returning after lengthy absences helped to establish the night’s tone. Here to tell you all about the evening, I am co-host Zachary Fenell.

Co-host Devin utilized a wrestling GIF to welcome Hannah and Jorge. Such a GIF demonstrates another aspect to our friendly community. Perhaps an element to discuss in a future recap! For now, let us catch up with Hannah and Jorge.

Despite personally already knowing Hannah’s situation, reading her blog post still made me shudder. The seriousness that comes along brain surgery proving undeniable. Take a look and read yourself, “The Setbacks Leading to the Comeback.”

Thankfully the reasoning behind Jorge’s absence involves a lot less dire circumstances. College and work continues to keep him pre-occupied. As Jorge explained, an earlier shift allowed him to make the week’s chat.

Just like Hannah, participants excitedly met Jorge. Specifically, Shira Sadiky recounted how Jorge helped her feel comfortable when she first joined #CPChatNow a couple years ago. Comfort definitely stands important towards building a strong community.

What other characteristics do you also find valuable in a community? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What characteristics make for a strong community?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

The monthly Hangout allows our community to chat using a more open platform. No character limits! Plus video chatting adds communication factors like tone of voice and facial expressions, enhancing the dialogue! Due to privacy reasons, the link to the Hangout does not go out publicly. Perchance you want to join us, message the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page to let us know.

This past week in #CPChatNow was busy as always. Members talked about birthdays, lost family members, and writing books. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for this week’s recap.

First, we have to wish a happy birthday to Shira! She talked about her feelings upon turning 17:

Talk then turned a memorial service at my university and Zach shared it was his late aunt’s birthday:

Zach and I discussed how his aunt’s occupation as a pediatric nurse helped his family with his CP diagnosis:

Finally, Zach talked about going to author events in preparation for writing his next book, a story on his journey from not participating in PE to completing a marathon this past year:

This bring us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: If you wrote a book about your life, what would be your topic? Please share your answers in the comments!

Assorted subjects came and went during the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, April 4th, 2018. I am co-host Zachary Fenell here to play reporter and give you your weekly recap. A challenge given the various topics discussed!

Early on the chatter contained a downer tone. Participants shared difficult life situations they currently face. Looking to turn the dialogue upbeat, I asked about positive happenings, no matter how small!

My co-host Devin also enjoyed the article. He and I noted what resonated with our respective selves. Devin liked how Carlos seemed “like he’s one of the guys.” Personally, the coach working with Carlos’ psychologist and physical therapist impressed me.

Want to add in your opinion? You can by answering this week’s extend-the-conversation question. “How would you describe physical therapy?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Also worth mentioning from our chat Wednesday, April 4th, we announced the date for our April 2018 Google Hangout.

If you like joining the monthly video chat, mark your calendars for Thursday, April 26th. To maintain a safe environment, we do not send out the Hangout link publicly. To get added to the invite list, contact Devin or myself. Before reaching out though, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.